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Moray Council will seek input from community on plans for Mannachie Park, Forres


By Garry McCartney

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The orchard and play area break up what would otherwise be featureless open space at Mannachie. Picture by Becky Saunderson
The orchard and play area break up what would otherwise be featureless open space at Mannachie. Picture by Becky Saunderson

MORAY Council is to consult the community on the future use of Mannachie Park.

It has earmarked £50,000 to replace equipment at the play area and there are plans to grow wild flower beds and extend the fruit orchard at the site, however, public opinion via consultation will inform a long term masterplan.

A council spokesman said: “We are currently working towards a plan. The work will include community engagement.”

Cllr George Alexander (Forres, Independent) added: “I believe the upgrade is focussed on the provision for younger children because the equipment has reached the end of its life.”

The £50k for play equipment is from the local authority’s Open Spaces Capital Improvement Plan, and is thought to have been funded by housing developer contributions.

Cllr Claire Feaver (Forres, Conservative) said the plan for Mannachie is in its infancy. She added: “As well as folk who want wild flower meadows, trees orchards and allotments, there is interest in a couple of goal areas for footballers.”

Forres In Bloom secretary Sandra Maclennan has been attending Green Spaces User Group meetings, regular local discussions about managing Forres’ environment.

She said: “Moray Open Spaces/Lands and Parks is providing some of its budget for upgrading play equipment. Safety checks have shown what is most needed in terms of safety and Forres Mannachie is one of four areas chosen. Rothes has been chosen as a pilot. They have... selected a design. They also raised additional money because £50k does not buy much.”

She added: “Mannachie Park has several groups planning to develop there.”

Forres Skate Park Initiative originally earmarked Mannachie Park for its proposed community facility but have applied for a Community Asset Transfer of land at Grant Park instead.



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